So I've been thinking a lot about this documentary and this book.
I've also been thinking about what this country stands for versus the illusion of what this country stands for. I'd like to think we still stand for something. I'd like to think these two words still have meaning:
Mark my words, when we are all dead and gone, many years from now, Edward Snowden will be hailed as a hero and a patriot and as fine and loyal and upstanding an American as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Paine, Frederick Douglas, and every other exceptional spokesperson for Freedom, Justice, and the principles this nation is supposed to uphold. What a brave, courageous, unbelievable thing he did. It sickens me that we have sociopaths and evil monsters in incredible positions of power who are not held accountable for systematically dismantling these two words from the breast of every citizen in this nation. If we are truly an exceptional nation, than we need to start acting like one and figure out exactly what it is we truly believe. I don't want my life collected and used against me by any government agency. Ever. For any reason. And I'm tired of being so profoundly disappointed in government officials who refuse to stand up for basic decency and the right thing to do. Prior to spending time learning about this entire NSA fiasco, I was as far from anti-government anything as a citizen could possible be. Now? I don't know what to think anymore. Ever since 9/11, it seems our "best and brightest" are going out of their way to play into all the fears and evil tendencies that topple great nations. I will never support the Death Star or Darth Vader ever in my life, but I have to say, having spent a good chunk of time absorbing and fully understanding Edward Snowden's intentions, reasons, and methods in exposing the most unbelievable, evil, insidious and shocking government over-reach in our nation's history, I have come to the conclusion that Edward Snowden is Luke Skywalker, the lone champion who has dared to stand up for what is right and just and honorable. And the forces against him are supporters of tyranny, totalitarianism, abuse of power, oppression, villainy, and everything Darth Vader and the Death Star stand for.
I have always been a huge supporter of President Obama. I have always been a huge supporter of Hillary Clinton. But I have to say, I am in TOTAL disagreement with both of them on their characterization of Edward Snowden. He did every citizen in America a HUGE favor, and when our leaders aren't articulating that, they sound profoundly out of touch with reality. Maybe they have to say that, but I'm tired of listening to politicians saying what they have to say versus saying what is right. I'm tired of this country acting like such a hypocritical thug. I'm tired of sociopaths getting their way with no accountability whatsoever. I'm tired of all the greed, selfishness and petty authoritarian secrecy, lying, crazy hopeless wars and all-out insanity that has been going on for the past 13 years, all because of terrorists with box cutters. When will this low-point in our nation's history begin to trend back upward?
Leaders of the United States of America, please for the love of God, quit acting like you're working for this
and start acting like you're working for this:
3 comments:
Congratulations on your awakening, or at least your steps on a journey of enlightenment rooted in a basic distrust of our over-reaching, increasingly totalitarian government. When power-drunken government officials latch onto the notion that they alone know what is best for the citizenry, categorized as "the common good" the collapse of liberty and personal freedom is indeed immenent. There has never been so great a priviledge bestowed unto a citizenry as that of true liberty and the freedom to pursue happiiness. The American people have at best, a tenuous grip on that freedom under the current government regime. Remember Michael, Luke Skywalker got scuffed up pretty good in his light sabre fight with Darth Vader.
Now I don't know how to edit my post to correct spelling errors. Obviously this was my first blog post.
Nice. It's shocking how well-intentioned people can get overwhelmed by power and authority. Obama, in this case, has been a huge disappointment. Maybe it's the times, maybe it's how power corrupts, or, even scarier, maybe the truth is that even the president has no real power. Anyway, great post. Oh, and remember these lines?
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Sounds like western democracies today.
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